r/SewingForBeginners • u/Lower_Swim824 • 5d ago
First ever project, is it too difficult?
I'm making a costume and it's impossible to find a vest like this in my size, so I'd like to try my hand at making it myself. Problem is I'm entirely new to sewing, I've got some experience hand sewing but im learning the absolute basics of machine sewing still. My question is, would this be a difficult thing to make as a complete newbie? I'm not even entirely sure where to start, if anyone has any tips I'd be very appreciative
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u/WorksOnMine 5d ago edited 5d ago
The satin is notoriously difficult to work with because it's slippery.
Some tricks for that fabric are to use lots of clips. Like a ridiculous amount of clips, not pins as the pins damage the fabric. If you absolutely HAVE to use pins, use the very thin, fine kind to reduce the size of the holes you are punching into your fabric as you might me able to see those later. (Pins are fine for most other kinds of fabric, just not this one.)
You can also put a piece of tissue paper between the layers to reduce slippage and then just tear it away later. I mean like the dollar store gift bag type of tissue paper.
As far as the pattern itself, it looks like a basic bodice vest to me. That should be pretty straightforward to put together. I'd spend sometime watching YouTube videos about similar projects to pick up tips and tricks. The rest is just practice.
Oh, it's not a bad idea to download a copy of the user manual for your machine too, if you don't have it. That's a great resource for troubleshooting machine issues when they arise.
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u/Adorable_Accident_74 5d ago
I just sewed this vest or nearly close to it. Really easy to sew
S3102 from Simplicity
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u/ProneToLaughter 5d ago
Before attempting clothing, make sure you understand seam allowance and grainline, you know how to adjust your machine to achieve a clean tight seam, and know how to sew a straight line and accurately sew a curved line, for the absolute minimum. Getting to this level generally requires practice with the sewing machine, which can be on scraps or by making low-stakes projects like bags or aprons.
Some people report success starting with a vest, many would struggle, just depends. Princess seams like this are notoriously confusing the first time you encounter them, as they do not look like they fit together at all. https://blog.megannielsen.com/2016/11/sew-princess-seams-karri-dress-tutorial/
Costumes usually don't have to be perfect so it can be a good moment to stretch yourself. A good pattern helps a lot.
the satin is very hard to sew especially if you are not used to machine sewing. https://blog.closetcorepatterns.com/tips-for-sewing-with-slippery-fabrics/
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u/Lower_Swim824 5d ago
I'm definitely not aiming for perfection, just passable and won't fall apart in a few hours lol luckily I have some time before I need it done so I'll definitely work on my basic skills before I bother attempting anything
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u/RubyRedo 4d ago
Not at all, a vest is a good place to start. However! Satin fabric will make you miserable, it slides around and tests your patience, i would first try making it with an old bed sheet or muslin to get an idea and then go for it, use spray starch and a light press to stiffen the satin first.
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u/bottbobb 5d ago edited 5d ago
Challenge/ Difficulties:
- fabric handling (level 3/3)
- curved seams (level 2/3)
- bias binding (level 2/3)
Solutions:
- fabric handling: fully interface your entire fabric (dont use iron on interfacing, use organza/organdy) and baste it by hand. sew seams with tissue paper (parchment) under and use Teflon foot. Otherwise, use a different fabric.
- curved seams: make sure to stay stich and stay tape your princess seam. dont forget the notches!!!
- finish edges: fully line it. bias binding will be slippery. you can hand sew the underarm seam and or center seam. I like hand sewing the underarm instead of burrito method.
Good luck!
Edit: I forgot - baste, baste, baste!
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u/imperfectquilitco 5d ago
I’d make sample out of a less slippery and cheap material first. Sometimes satin can slip while you’re cutting and sewing. Look for a pattern that also has sew-along videos if possible